The meeting began with a celebration of the Little Falls Blaze, a local softball team that recently achieved an impressive 10-0 record in the Pake Valley softball league. The team was recognized for their championship win, with the mayor extending an invitation to the coach to introduce the players. The team received medals for their achievement, and the mayor encouraged them to stay for additional presentations and to take photos with their trophy. This recognition highlighted the town’s pride in its young athletes and their dedication.

In addition to the softball team’s success, the council commended Officer Yanuzi from the Little Falls Police Department for his outstanding efforts in reducing impaired driving incidents. Chief Brawl highlighted Officer Yanuzi’s accomplishments, noting that he led DWI arrests in Passaic County, earning him the P County Top Gun Award. This recognition underscored the importance of community awareness and law enforcement’s role in combating impaired driving, with the Chief expressing pride in Officer Yanuzi’s work.

The council also acknowledged the contributions of local fire departments from Little Falls, Woodland Park, and Totowa in the annual holiday parade. The departments received a framed American flag featuring the township’s logos as a symbol of community spirit and pride in the holiday event. Council members discussed their involvement in the parade, emphasizing the collaborative effort that made the event a success.

Addressing infrastructure concerns, the council discussed urgent drainage issues exacerbated by recent heavy rain. A resolution was proposed to create and implement a long-term drainage plan for various areas of the municipality. The council recognized the urgency of this matter and emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to prevent future flooding and damage.

Additional resolutions included the approval of a contract for panic buttons and camera service systems. The council had researched alternatives and determined that switching to a different vendor would be more beneficial for the municipality. This decision aimed to enhance the safety and security of community facilities.

The council also addressed routine agenda items, such as tax refunds and resolutions for retail consumption licenses, specifically for the Park West Diner and Chelas. Discussions included the necessity of adding grant resolutions to the budget and a change order related to the Stevens A streetscape improvements, amounting to approximately $28,000 for additional work required in that area.

Council members provided reports on various committees and activities. Councilman Murphy updated the council on the domestic violence awareness committee’s efforts to collaborate with neighboring counties to secure shelter services following the Bay County shelter’s shutdown. He emphasized the importance of updating contact information and resources to support residents in need.

Councilwoman Hablitz shared updates from the library, highlighting a special presentation scheduled for July 25 featuring the great-great-grandson of a historical figure. She also mentioned a display of personal items belonging to Joan Crawford and the success of the farmers market, promoting the upcoming celebration of National Ice Cream Day.

Councilwoman Patel discussed health screenings offered at the Clifton Satellite Office, encouraging residents to take advantage of free blood pressure and glucose checks. She expressed gratitude for the Clifton Health Department’s participation in community events and plans for a limited township health assessment in collaboration with the health department in September. This included interviews and focus groups aimed at better understanding community health needs.